Labour shortage in the Construction Industry is not news. Shortage of SKILLED workers continues to be a long-standing challenge impacting project timelines, quality of work, and overall efficiency. Root causes include an aging workforce, too few younger workers entering the skilled trades, the great resignation triggered by COVID-19 and the lack of safety and vocational training programs.
While some reports suggest that younger construction professionals may not always lead the way in adopting digital technologies, there is a consensus that the integration of technology is vital for attracting and retaining the next generation of construction workers.
The use of modern technology in construction is seen as a way to address the long-term staffing problem and the ongoing retirement of older workers. By embracing the latest and smartest technology, construction companies aim to make the industry more attractive to younger workers who are generally more tech-savvy. This is crucial for the sustainability of the industry, especially as older generations retire and leave a experience void in the workforce.
While Technology is most often the offered beacon of hope, the end game of full digitalization for construction companies is well beyond immediate reach of most and a mere glimmer on the horizon for many. But there are a few solutions within immediate reach today, offering measurable return on investment. One such technology is Digital Signatures (also known as Electronic Signatures or e-Signatures) which validate the authenticity of any report or document generated by these modern technologies.
Here are some guaranteed benefits available by simply implementing a Digital/Electronic Signature Solution.
1. Efficiency and Resource Allocation: Digital signatures can streamline any approval process, reducing the time spent on paperwork and administrative tasks. With an electronic signature solution, companies can allocate skilled workers to more critical tasks on the construction site, rather than having them spend time on paperwork and administrative duties. For example, the traditional recruitment process itself, onboarding, and associated documentation require a multitude of physical signatures and paperwork. Digital signatures can streamline the process, allowing the businesses to expedite document approval and reduce the time it takes to onboard new skilled talent. With stiff competition for scarce resources, speed of engagement is vital.
2. Remote Access and Mobility: Digital signature solutions allow for remote signing and access to important documents from anywhere, enabling workers to review, approve, adjust documentation without being physically present at the office. This can be especially beneficial for construction projects in remote locations, saving time and resources. Skilled labour can now be accessed from and deployed to almost anywhere and still be able to collaborate effectively as a team. One more obstacle to building skilled labour can be removed.
3. Compliance and Security: Digital signature solutions offer robust security measures and help ensure compliance with industry regulations…all with fewer people and less paper. By digitizing the signature process, companies can maintain accurate records and reduce the risk of errors or misplaced documents while simultaneously reducing the staff dedicated to these administrative tasks. Resource salary dollars become available to attract and retain the skilled resources needed.
Three significant and achievable benefits, with just one Simply Strategic and Strategically Simple technology. Streamlined processes, paper and paper management reduction, borderless reach and generational appeal. Moreover, Digital Signature technology can be integrated and/or interfaced with other technologies that are turning heads in the Construction Industry. While not every challenge can be solved by technology, Digital Signatures are a good first step in building a robust enterprise wide technology infrastructure to address other existing and future challenges.
For more information on one specific digital solution that’s helping your competitors in the Construction Industry, take a look at SignatureMaster™ by Xenex Enterprises Inc. at www.xenex.ca.
Be dazzled by the digital!
Leave Comment